We all need someone to talk to, but not all of us are lucky enough to have someone. Loneliness is a massive issue for people in later life in the UK. Half of all people aged 75 and over live alone. Age UK Darlington’s ‘Rely on Me’ befriending scheme came about as a direct result of demand. More and...

Your local ICA Advocate will be at ‘The Hub’ in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on the first Monday of every month between 11am and 1pm. Why not pop along and have a chat? Please find attached a flyer with further information.

The VONNE Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 27 th November 2015 at Northumbria Student Union in Newcastle. At the AGM members will elect Trustees to the VONNE Board. The Board is made up of 9 elected and up to 5 co-opted members to reflect our membership and interests. They have...

UK-wide women’s self injury helpline. The service is now open: Monday to Friday inclusive 7-10pm AND Thursday 3-6pm They offer a non-judgemental, emotional support & listening service to women affected by self injury and those who care about them. They will also signpost to other relevant...

Healthwatch Darlington will be announcing the date of the first Youthwatch Forum meeting shortly. Please find attached our newly updated poster. We would be really grateful if you could help circulate the poster via social media etc. We want to broaden awareness of Healthwatch Darlington to the...

Healthwatch Darlington will be holding the first volunteer forum meeting on the 14th October 2015, 1:00pm-2:30pm in the Redworth Room, CVS building. This is an opportunity for all of our existing volunteers, and anybody who is interested in becoming a volunteer to come together, to discuss and to...

The North East Ambulance Service’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24th September 2015. It is an important time for urgent and emergency care and this year’s event is a great opportunity to look forward towards the future of our services. The event will take place at Teesside University’s brand new...

The NHS Maternity Review wants to hear what you think is good about maternity services and what could be done to improve them. All comments will contribute to the work of the review which will publish its recommendations by the end of the year. The consultation is open until 31 October to anyone...

At 09:15 am on Thursday 4th July 2013 18 year old Connor Sparrowhawk was found dead in a bath at Slade House, Headington, Oxford. Connor, who had learning disabilities, drowned in the bath. It is thought that he had an epilectic seizure prior to drowning. An external investigation said that Connor’...

We are hoping to recruit some new volunteers for reception duties and general administration. You can volunteer as much or as little as you want, we are happy to work around you and your availability. We think this would be an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to fill their time, gain news...

We want to broaden awareness of Healthwatch Darlington to the younger generation and would like to encourage young people to be open and confident about expressing their views on health and social care services. Healthwatch would like young people to understand what services are available to them...

Please find attached the flyer and booking form for the North of England Mental Health Development Unit Autumn Conference on 3rd November. They are delighted to welcome Professor Rory O'Connor, world lead on Suicide Prevention as their keynote speaker. Book early to avoid disappointment!

***** Important Information Update **** Please note room bookings in the CVS Building, Church Row are available until the end of December 2015. Healthwatch Darlington have been asked by Darlington Borough Council to continue to manage the room bookings until then. Rooms are very reasonably priced...

The AHSN-NENC Event “Telehealth Project Updates” to be held on 11 September from 09:30-16:00, at Durham County Cricket Ground, Chester le Street. This is a showcase of some of the wonderful projects, for health improvement in our region funded by the AHSN-NENC in the past 18 months. This will be an...

AHSN NENC Musculoskeletal Project Update Event to be held on Tuesday 15th September, 9:30-13:00, at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester le Street. This is a showcase of some of the wonderful projects for health improvement in our region funded by the AHSN NENC in the past 18 months. After a warm...

AHSN NENC Event, Older People and Care Homes to be held on Wednesday 9th September, 9:30-15:30, at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester le Street. This is a showcase of some of the wonderful projects for health improvement in our region funded by the AHSN NENC in the past 18 months. After a warm...

NHS England are publishing the results of the engagement work carried out by the Mental Health Taskforce. More than 20,000 people have given their views on top priorities for reshaping mental health as part of the drive to develop a five year national NHS strategy for people of all ages. The...

Our GP survey now has new questions. We want to know how long its taking you to book an appointment with your GP? Are you able to ring and book an appointment on the same day? Healthwatch are here to listen to your experiences. To take part in the survey please follow the link provided: https://www...

Service model for people with learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges The NICE Collaborating Centre for Social care (NCCSC) has been commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to develop a guideline on the service model for people with learning...

St Herbert's D-Caf is on Tuesday 15 September from 10 am to noon at St Herbert's Church Hall, 343 Yarm Road Darlington DL1 1BD. They will be having a visit from a pet dog and members of the Dementia Action Alliance who are working together to make Darlington a Dementia friendly Community.

Memory Walk. Darlington Memory Walk will take place on Sunday 27 September in South Park Darlington. The walk will start at 10.30am. This year’s memory walk is being kindly organised by Homeinstead Senior Care. For more information please contact diane.chandler@homeinstead.co.uk 01325 467833...

Cancer UK have an opportunity coming up for health workers and volunteers in the North East to attend a free Talk Cancer training workshop. Venue for the training location still needs to be confirmed, but please see below and find attached all relevant information. Talk Cancer workshops are...

Youthwatch Darlington is a group page designed to bring children and young people together across Darlington for easy access to health and social care services. The page will keep you up to date with all the latest events happening in Darlington. The group page will discuss important health and...

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What is Healthwatch Darlington?

Healthwatch Darlington Limited is an independent consumer champion for health and social care in Darlington. The organisation helps to shape and improve local health and social care in our community. Healthwatch Darlington Limited is part of the Healthwatch national network, established by the Government to ensure local patients and users have a greater input to shaping and designing local services.